Deep Gladness
October 14, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert Mark 10:17-31 New Revised Standard Version The Rich Man 17As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? […]
World Communion Sunday
October 7, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert As we gather today, we join churches around the world as we celebrate what has come to be called World Communion Sunday. We gather to strengthen the ties within our community and to be reminded of the bonds we share with our neighbors around the world who follow […]
Reflections on Worry
September 30, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert Matthew 6:25-34 I’d like to begin by reading some passages from Matthew’s Gospel, chapter six. We hear the words of Jesus as he speaks to those gathered about the burden of worry and he invites us into a spirit of calm reassurance that even on the most difficult […]
Welcoming the Children
September 23, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert Our reading from Mark’s Gospel today is a story that demonstrates the importance Jesus placed on the children in his midst and reminds us yet again that children are our responsibility, that we are to care for them, value them for who they are, and respect them, ensuring […]
Of Grief and Hope
September 16, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert This past week, we remembered that very painful day 17 years ago when we were changed forever. September 11th will never sound the same to those of us who have a full memory of that date. It’s hard to remember that day and yet, it feels altogether wrong […]
In Praise of Teachers
September 9, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert We are now past Labor Day and schools at almost every level are back in session. Even if it has been years since we have attended school, I think it’s hard to forget the mixed emotions of back to school time as September comes around again. Since I […]
Music That Moves Me
August 19, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert Today, we celebrate Music Sunday here at Union Church. When I first began to explore the possibility of applying for the position as Pastor here, one of the most important things that people shared again and again was how much they loved the music. That really intrigued me […]
Finding Refreshment – Woman at the Well
August 12, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert So today, we hear this long, but really wonderful story of Jesus, who himself has become thirsty in the noonday sun, after traveling from Jerusalem in the south to Gaililee in the north. He and his disciples take the quickest route, through Samaria, and we hear that Jesus […]
The Souls of Animals
July 29, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert Since I first came to Union Church last September, one of the things that has truly impressed me is the number of people here who share a great love of animals…their dogs, cats, horses and other pets as well as their commitment to the well being of animals […]
Come Away and Rest Awhile
July 22, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert In the reading from Mark’s Gospel today, we hear of a time when Jesus reconnects with his disciples after they have been out trying to spread the important message of Jesus as well as bringing healing and comfort to those they met along their journeys. It is clear […]